Who is Jini Maxwell?
I am curator at ACMI, where I specialise in videogames. I co-curated Game Worlds, a major playable exhibition that celebrates the players, creators and designs of iconic videogame worlds, and last year I curated Honk: Untitled Goose Exhibition, an exhibition about how the Melbourne-made silly-stealth videogame, Untitled Goose Game, was made and played. In a past life, I was an award-winning videogame journalist & critic.
Independently, I co-curate Gay24 – a monthly film night showcasing rare, radical and archival queer films, with Samantha Eckhart. I also try to sit in the sun as often as possible.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Like a lot of arts workers, I have had a totally mishmash career – from literary editor to videogame specialist – and for me, the uniting factor has always been a love of communication. I think of curation as a form of communication, first and foremost – at their best, exhibitions invite their visitors into a conversation, in my view.
If I were to leave the arts entirely, I think I would pursue psychoanalysis, or psychotherapy – and keep exploring the contours of communication in a different way.
Who inspires you and why?
Lately I’ve been really inspired by outsider artists like Henry Darger. When the outcome of your work is necessarily public, I find it really grounding to engage with art practices where the process is what creates meaning, not the audience.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
By curating videogame exhibitions, I want to start conversations about videogames as a part of our culture – whether they are lifelong fans, or have never picked up a controller in their life.
Videogames are the most popular entertainment medium on the planet today; as an industry and as medium, videogames have a huge influence on our culture, climate, and economy – and our social lives, of course. Regardless of fandom or familiarity, everyone should have the tools and confidence to form confident opinions the technology and cultural products that shape our society.
I hope that by making accessible, curiosity-provoking exhibitions that present videogames through a variety of viewpoints, more people feel equipped to enter the conversation – whether that looks like reflecting on proposed legislation, or joining in a game with their friends.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Prague! My favourite city in the world.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I really love a big, meandering walk – taking friends to Yarra Bend or Merri Creek is a big one. If we’re feeling gregarious, we might head to Miscellania for a dance/rooftop D&M.
Embarrassingly, I also tend to bring my visiting friends to work. If the stars align, Cinematheque is a must, followed by a big bowl of noodles in the city and a drink at Flippy’s.
What are you currently reading?
TRAP DOOR: Trans Cultural Production and the Politics of Visibility, edited by Reina Gossett, Eric A Stanley, and Johanna Burton. It’s a must-read for any film programmer, filmmaker, or film watcher interested in the history and politics of transness and gender variance onscreen.
What are you currently listening to?
I’ve been listening to a lot of country and blues; Gillian Welch and JJ Cale are perennial favourites. They’re the perfect soundtrack for returning to centre, after the adrenaline rush of an exhibition opening.
Happiness is?
Cooking a big meal with your friends that feeds everyone, then washing up together.
What does the future hold for you?
Gay24 has guest-curated a program at the amazing TILDE, Melbourne’s Trans and Gender Diverse Film Festival, which runs 31 October – 2 November. Samantha created the program solo, while I was working on Game Worlds, so I am looking forward to it as a viewer primarily – but I can’t wait to get back to curating Gay24 with her now the show is open. 2026 is going to be a big year for watching queer films!
Jini is the Co-Curator (with Bethan Johnson) of Game Worlds – currently on show at ACMI, Fed Square, Melbourne, until 8 February 2026. For more information, visit: www.acmi.net.au for details.
Image: Jini Maxwell – photo by Eugene Hyland